Matisyahu

Watching Matisyahu perfrom is different than watching a “normal” band, its more like a jamming religious experience, the crowd is different, calm, happy, and passionate about just being in the presence of a man with this authenticity. The experience might be summed up nicely by Van The Man’s line “it stoned me to my soul…”, maybe that’s what Matisyahu’s performance at the Mile High Music Festival did to me last Sunday afternoon. I had been shooting bands for nearly two full days and from the photo pit you could always sense the crowd’s enthusiasm as in manifested itself in their applause and cheers but nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of the cheers that came when Matisyahu walked on stage, the cheers had the force of a wildfire burning intensely through a dense forest, nearly overwhelming in volume, force and heat in the form of passion.

This was my second time seeing Matisyahu, I remember the first time thinking that this was not really going to be “my kind” of music. My mind changed immediately, and I remember feeling the truth of “we are all victims of our conclusions”, I certainly had been interms of this “rapper”. Anyone that takes whatever they are doing to the highest possible level is to be admired, this is how I have always felt about music, genres are useless.

Known for blending traditional Jewish themes with Reggae, rock and hip hop sounds, Matisyahu is most recognizable for being a hasidic Jew. As such, Matisyahu stands out for not performing on Shabbos. Since 2004, he has released two studio albums as well as one live album, two remix CDs and one DVD featuring a live concert, and a number of interviews. Through his short career, Matisyahu has teamed up with some of the biggest names in reggae production including Bill Laswell and duo Sly & Robbie.

Since his debut, Matisyahu has received positive reviews from both rock and reggae outlets. Most recently, he was named Top Reggae Artist of 2006 by Billboard. He was recently named a spokesperson for Kenneth Cole.

The past four years have been fraught with excitement and challenges for Matisyahu and his band mates. Since the release of his 2004 debut, shake off the dust… ARISE, Matisyahu has continued to bring his uncanny, electrifying fusion of orthodox Judaism and classic reggae music to millions of new listeners. His first release on Epic Records, Live at Stubbs, a highly successful live concert recording from the famous venue in Austin TX, has sold nearly 700,000 copies and is certified Gold.

Matisyahu drew upon the myriad experiences that led him to such a career pinnacle on his sophomore studio album, Youth, which contains the hit single “King without a Crown.” A compelling mix of ancient and modern sounds and ideas, Youth also reached Gold certification. Matisyahu’s follow-up album, No Place to Be has sold 60,000 copies to date. No Place to be is a collection of remixes and rarities featuring the single “Jerusalem (Out of Darkness Comes Light).”

The rising star knows of the struggle of which he speaks. Born in West Chester, PA and raised in White Plains, NY, the young man formerly known as Matthew Miller would undertake a monumental odyssey before discovering his new identity – and voice – as Matisyahu (the Hebrew version of “Matthew,” and the name he adopted upon becoming observant). Via adventures in Colorado, Israel, Oregon, and New York City, he not only heard a profound spiritual calling, but also discerned a revolutionary way to share his discoveries and reflections, via the reggae and hip-hop sounds that had long been an integral part of his day-to-day soundtrack. Since, Matisyahu has brought his ground-breaking musical style to thousands of fans across the country with his energetic live shows. He has toured with 311, played numerous festivals (such as Langerado and The Virgin Festival) and sold-out his annual Chanukah season tour, Festival of Lights.

Currently, Matisyahu is busy collaborating with producer David Kahne (Sublime, Paul McCartney, 311, Regina Spektor) on a new full length album to be released in late 2008. The pair recently worked together for the Darfur tribute album on the John Lennon cover “Watching the Wheels.”

Regardless of religious affiliation, most artists will tell you that the creative force is special type of divinity that moves through them. Matisyahu simply seeks to serve as a conduit for the messages of peace and unity that flow through him, to improve the world by sharing his music, and without letting ego or worldly desires interfere in that communication. “That’s what I’m aiming for,” he admits. “I don’t think I’ve fully gotten there, but that’s the goal.”

Matthew “Matisyahu” Miller – vocals/beatbox
Aaron Dugan – guitar
Rob Marscher – keyboards
Joe Tomino – drums
Stu Brooks – bass
D.P. Holmes – guitar

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This entry was posted on Sunday, July 19th, 2009 at 7:30 pm. It is filed under Live music reviews, Mile High Music Festival 2009, Past shows and tagged with Matisyahu. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.